The show had some really cool bikes on display, including Clyde's Peugeot and Raleigh, a super fine Guarini, Randy's awesome Cavalera time trial bike, and my Eddy Merckx 7-Eleven and Trek 560.
Having spent a week concentrating on prepping the Trek, I noticed that the Merckx was in dismal shape... dirty, muddy, dusty, a black chain and dingy bar tape. So I pulled an all-nighter and broke her down to the bare frame, cleaned and waxed the frame, took apart all the components and cleaned and lubricated them (the rear derraileur's lower pulley has metal teeth!), cleaned and polished the entire drive train and installed an NOS chain and new white cork handlebar tape. Too seal the deal, I installed my vintage excellent condition Regal seat (with the copper rivets).
I also prepared an informational one-sheet about the bike and also brought along my cherished edition of Bicycle Guide from May 1989 with the bike, Andy Hampsten and Eddy Merckx on the cover.
Boy, the Merckx looked spectacular and I believe it was the hit of the show! The ride was very fun, even if a few of my spokes loosened up on my (not so vintage) Open Pro front wheel.
There is another vintage ride coming up in May, contact Clyde or me if interested!
Steel is real!
Rob
P.S. I've come to realize that I am also a vintage rider, but that is another topic all together.
2 comments:
Steel is real(ly heavy)! I remember reading that Bob Roll wished he had the Eddy bike back but said it weighed 23 lbs (that was for a Flandrian classics type bike.
Mongo particpated too...
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